Vikings' 5 best QB options to upgrade from injured Kyler Murray, from Carson Wentz to Kirk Cousins

Vikings' 5 best QB options to upgrade from injured Kyler Murray, from Carson Wentz to Kirk Cousins originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Vikings, despite a 6-1 record going into their huge Monday night game vs. the Bills, are in a precarious playoff position in the NFC North.Minnesota is in first place in the NFL's toughest division in 2026, but all the buzz is around the three teams behind in the standings: Chicago (7-2), Detroit (6-2) and Green Bay (6-3). The big reason the Vikings aren't being trusted is their quarterback situation.With a healthy Kyler Murray, the Vikings have been well behind the QB strengths of the Bears (Caleb Williams), Lions (Jared Goff) and Packers (Jordan Love). Now that Murray will miss more time, starting with Buffalo, and is week to week with a hamstring injury, coach Kevin O'Connell is running out of options to upgrade.Murray has been a misfit in the offense, but he's been lifted to a 5-1 record as a starter thanks to dominant defense and stellar special teams. Do the Vikings have the right option right behind him on the depth chart? With the Colts taking former Viking Daniel Jones off the market, is there anyone they should desperately target ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET NFL trade deadline? How about any veteran free agents? Here's a breakdown.MORE: Vikings QB timeline has been bumpy since 2023Vikings' five best non-Kyler Murray QB options Imagn Images 1. Keep starting Carson WentzWentz, relieving a concussed Murray at home, was spectacular in the second half against the Packers in Week 1 to lead a key early comeback victory in division play. He backed it up with a gritty win at bad-weather Chicago in Week 2 while Murray wasn't cleared.Given Wentz averaged 7.7 yards per attempt and rated 106.4 leading O'Connell's offense, it's shocking the Vikings haven't benched Murray to give Wentz another shot before injury forced their hand. Wentz has a big chance to lift the passing game 2. Trade for Marcus MariotaO'Connell and the Commanders' QB2 already have a close working relationship going back more than a decade. When Mariota was preparing to become the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft to the Titans, O'Connell spent many training sessions with him.Mariota has become a valuable system-oriented backup for Washington, embracing his new team-friendly role at age 33. The Commanders should just move on with seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis as Daniels' understudy going forward, given Mariota will once again be a free agent in March. This deal would cost the Vikings little for a QB who can get quickly attuned to O'Connell's offense.LIVE: Latest news and rumors as NFL trade deadline approaches3. Sign Jimmy GaroppoloJimmy G's last NFL gig was with the Rams for the previous two seasons, serving as Matthew Stafford's backup. If there's a Sean McVay connection, then there's a tie to O'Connell, McVay's former offensive coordinator in Los Angeles.Garoppolo is 35 and his arm isn't the gun it once was as the Patriots' promising second-round pick. But the Vikings can't ignore he was once good enough in Kyle Shanahan's quasi-related system to help the 49ers get to a Super Bowl. He would cost the Vikings not much in way of contract to at least see if can be the answer with low risk.4. Trade for Gardner MinshewThe Cardinals moved Jacoby Brissett for draft assets to take advantage of the Ravens' desperation wtih Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley injured. They are inching close to taking a long starting look at rookie Carson Beck. Minshew Mania lasted one half and overtime against the Cowboys, before the reality check against the Seahawks' defense.Minshew at least would be better than Murray at feeding Justin Jefferson and be lifted by the other skill support. He would play more within the system and his smarts would make him a quick study. Minshew Magic moves to Minneapolis? It might make sense.5. Trade for Kirk CousinsCousins has been huge in making the Raiders' passing game exciting again. They have no run defense and a sputtering running game, leading to Cousins chucking to some pleasing results, mostly to tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Klint Kubiak remains adamant about sitting No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza, and he can point to saying Cousins' play isn't the issue with his team.But the Raiders are 4-5, on their way to fading out of the AFC playoff picture with a tough schedule remaining, including the Seahawks and Broncos in the next two games. The Raiders are reluctant to move Cousins, but the Vikings shouldn't be afraid to be aggressive and go after a reunion, knowing Cousins would immediately thrive under O'Connell again. This would be the best move by far, but sadly, it's the far unlikeliest.POWER RANKINGS: Bills enter Monday night showdown at No. 1